Suspect charged in 2015 arson

AUSTIN - Authorities have charged a man in connection to a 2015 arson investigation after a gun reportedly stolen in the robbery had been recovered in Copperas Cove.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by the Austin Fire Department, crews responded to a fire along the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Road shortly after 12 a.m. Aug. 1, 2015. Firefighters were able to douse the fire, and the resident told investigators that several guns were missing. The fire was determined to be arson, with the point of origin determined as a couch in the living room.

Investigators obtained surveillance footage of two individuals walking from a car to the home and returning “carrying large bags,” the affidavit said. The individuals left the scene three minutes before the 911 call at the home. The affidavit added the case was closed pending future information after they were unable to identify the two people in the surveillance video.

Additional information came to AFD on Sept. 5, when investigators learned one of the stolen guns had been recovered by Fort Hood police. Investigators spoke with the owner of the gun store, who identified the person who sold them the gun as Raymond Bauer, 37.

Bauer told investigators during an interview that he and a friend did break into the home to steal guns and drugs, but denied being in the house when the fire started. The affidavit states Bauer told investigators that his friend – who has not been charged as of late Tuesday morning – set the couch on fire.

Bauer was booked into the Travis County Jail on Monday afternoon. Online records state his bond has been set at $100,000. A booking photo was not available as of late Tuesday morning.